January 24, 2025 -- Philippians 1:14 -- The vicissitudes of Providence and Faith

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And most of the brothers having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:14 ESV
 
In his wonderful study guide on Philippians, Sinclair Ferguson notes at this verse:
     God’s logic is very different from ours. We assume that circumstances must
     be right is we are to be really effective Christians. But God is not waiting for
     the circumstances to be right; he is committed to producing really effective
     Christians, whatever their circumstances may be. Does that teach us some-
     thing about our own circumstances?
     S. Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians, page 20
 
For many Christians the most shocking thing might be for someone they know to be sentenced to prison. No doubt they have forgotten how gross are their own sins are and how deeply the churning waters of total depravity still run through their own human nature. Paul is noting the most shocking thing is to deny Christ. God the Father has placed His children wherever they are, for the working out of their faith all the while He is undeterred by their human weaknesses. The result is His great Name will be proclaimed. All credit for anyone's salvation is wholly His. The most shocking thing for a Christian, no matter what his circumstances might be, is to live or speak in such a way that Christ is dishonoured.
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the wondrous salvation that is ours in Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your holy purposes which are being worked out in our lives. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who holds us together when the stormy seas of providence are made more agitated by our own failings and the roller coaster nature of our believing. Patient Father, You have led us to Christ, the towering rock of safety upon Whom we can be sheltered. You comfort Your people by Your Spirit Who will refresh us so that we will be equipped and fortified once again to face whatever the vicissitudes of Your providence should be. Only let our manner of life be worthy of the Gospel at every moment and in every place. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/3CRTY1xb0NE?si=m8I9c5oWAkoB-PWa Psalm 61:1-4 Song
 

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